The Suns continue to project confidence that a trade involving star forward Kevin Durant will be agreed to before June 25, the first night of the 2025 NBA draft, sources tell Jake Fischer and Marc Stein of The Stein Line (Substack link).
According to the authors, Phoenix’s front office — led by new general manager Brian Gregory — is “quietly hopeful” it will be able to land a first-round pick in a potential Durant deal to use next Wednesday. The team currently controls one late first-rounder (No. 29 overall) and one late second-rounder (No. 52).
Fischer and Stein point to the first-round selections controlled by the Raptors (No. 9), Rockets (No. 10), Timberwolves (No. 17) and Heat (No. 20) as examples of some of the picks the Suns have tried to acquire in Durant trade talks. But they also haven’t been thrilled with the offers they’ve received to this point, which is why a deal has yet to come together.
Here’s more from The Stein Line duo:
- The Heat have been “firmly against” including big man Kel’el Ware in their offers to the Suns for Durant, sources tell Fischer and Stein. The 15th pick of last year’s draft, Ware was named to the All-Rookie Second Team in 2024/25 after a solid debut season. Phoenix is believed to be prioritizing draft capital from Miami with Ware evidently off-limits.
- Fischer and Stein confirm that the Raptors also are unwilling to part with starting center Jakob Poeltl to acquire Durant. Assuming he isn’t moved, league sources tell The Stein Line that Toronto and the Austrian big man have mutual interest in a contract extension “in the near future.”
- Toronto continues to be active in trade talks, particularly when it comes to the draft. According to Fischer and Stein, the Raptors have expressed an openness to moving down from No. 9, but have also discussed the possibility of trying to add a second lottery pick. No matter which pick(s) they ultimately control, rival teams believe the Raptors are focused on drafting a center.
- The Knicks are not expected to hire a head coach until after next week’s draft, which will take place over two days (the second round is on Thursday), one person familiar with the matter told The Stein Line. Mike Brown and Taylor Jenkins interviewed for the job this week and both of the former head coaches are believed to have “levels of support” in New York. According to Fischer and Stein, Brown is said to be close with executive William Wesley, while Jenkins reportedly impressed the team in his interview.
- Although New York was denied permission to interview Billy Donovan, the Bulls claim their extension talks with their head coach preceded that request, per Fischer and Stein. “They love him,” one source familiar with management’s thinking said of Chicago’s fondness for Donovan. Stein first reported that the Bulls and Donovan were finalizing an extension.
- In case you missed it, Fischer and Stein also reported that multiple teams have shown interest in Suns wing Cody Martin as part of the Durant trade talks.
i feel like the knicks front office philosophy has changed. it seemed like they were building and had built a culture and suddenly they seem to be the stars of the show. hiring a head coach after the draft feels backwards but it seems to me that theyre the ones who call the shots at the top & on the court
I see this trade go down by June 23
Rozier, Robinson, Kel’el Ware and 20th pick for Durant
Rozier expiring $27 mm
Robinson expiring $20 mm (basically $10 MM)
Ware $4.5 mm
Possibly add 1 pick swap
The Warriors had to give up two bigs to sign KD. I guess teams are learning not to give up their bigs for KD.
But giving up those bigs and starting zaza was what made them win rings
Now it’s just “hoping” for a single FRP. Teams might as well take a one year flyer on a guy and just dump them salary to match.
Dillon Brooks, Jabari Smith Jr, Jock Landale & the #10 pick would be a pretty sweet haul for KD if you’re Phoenix. If I’m Houston I’m probably trying to keep the #10 pick & give up a future 1st instead.
Truth is that the Rockets couldn’t even find an opening for their 1st from last year, Reed Shepard… or enough minutes for Tari Eason. They don’t need the #10.
And I don’t think the $ works on that deal.
There was plenty “opening” for Reed. He was just not good enough to earn a spot in the rotation. Even when FVV was injured for weeks Reed couldn’t earn a spot in the rotation. Treat him the same way you’d treat him if his name was Devonte.
And just bc Reed couldn’t earn pt doesn’t mean that the next guy they draft won’t be ready. And you don’t draft guys just for what they give you as a rookie. These teams get 3/4yrs to evaluate 1st rd picks. Just bc the team is loaded now doesn’t mean that the #10 pick isn’t very valuable to them.
And Tari got plenty of minutes. He’d get even more if they were to flip Dillon & Jabari for KD.
Lol @ you don’t think the $ works but you can’t explain why.
$ million
Brooks $22
Smith $12
Landale $8
Holiday $5
Filler $3
#10
Total $50 million
So Claxton and RJ to the sun’s, The nets 8 pick to the raptors with Durant and Quickley to the Nets?
I have another 4 team version with the Lakers:
Raptors: KD, Jalen Wilson
Nets: Quickley, #8 pick (via TOR)
Lakers: Claxton
Suns: RJBarrett, Rui, Knecht, #19 pick (via Nets)
You mean KD to the Raptors. Yes, this was the outline of the deal I said yesterday.